… of an Irish mind.
Ní mar a shíltear a bhítear – Things aren’t always as they seem is a statement of fact as much as a proverb. It is a true nugget of wisdom from the ancestors. And while this proverb is often utilized to announce that ‘appearances can be deceptive’, a closer translation might put it as ‘not […]
MoreThere is an interesting proverb that pertains to anxiety and worries; Níl aon ghá le heagla roimh neart na gaoithe má tá do chuid choca féir ceangailte síos – There’s no need to fear an ill wind if your haystacks are tied down. It reminds us that there is no need to fret if we […]
MoreThere is old Irish proverb that states ‘Chan fhuair an madra rua teachdaire a riamh a b’fhearr ná é féin – The fox never found a better messenger than himself’. It is one that reminds how clever the fox is – to be so self-contained and present to his own needs but also wise to […]
MoreThe proverbial wisdom of Níor bhris focal maith fiacail riamh – A good word never broke a tooth reminds us that it is not a bad thing to praise or rejoice. It will not kill you to be nice, it will not ever chip a tooth to let some positivity pass your lips. So […]
MoreThere are several Irish proverbs prompting sleep as a health provider. My favourite one is Tosach sláinte codladh: deireadh sláinte osna – The beginning of health is sleep: the end of health is a sigh. Lets start at the end first. ‘The end of health is a sigh’ – that all too often automatic signalling […]
MoreI can struggle a little some winters, the consequences of both seasonal affected disorder and the culmination of a tiring or unsatisfactory year but I take solace and resolve from the proverb Olc síon an sioc, is fearr sioc ná sneachta agus is fearr sneachta ná síorbháisteach – Frost is bad weather, but frost is […]
MoreThe seanfhocal Is fearr eolas ná iontas – Knowledge is better than surprise, highlights the Irish love of knowledge, Not just for its sake but for its use. Knowing something, is of value, learning is the ongoing skill. To be wise is worth the effort and yes it does beat being surprised or caught out. […]
MorePerceptions make your world. How we choses to see things or are conditioned to read the room is what we feel is real and often unalterable. It is good so to be remind that you can swap out negative perceptions for positive ones. This is not denying reality this is perhaps seeing the actual reality. […]
MoreAmidist the covid-19 pandemic and beyond the physical health scare, the toll on mental health that it is taking, I am reminded of another wonderful Irish proverb ‘Is i ndiaidh a chéile a thógtar na caisleáin – Castles are built one after the other’. In life, no experience is ever wasted, it is all a […]
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